THEM THAR' BLUE RIDGE MOUNTAINS!

Sunday, October 17th was a glorious Autumn day. Cobalt blue sky. The Blue Ridge Mountains' Skyline Drive...all crazy with color! What a day! What a way.... to celebrate my 80th!

The Appalacian Trail criss-crosses the Skyline Drive several times.

Pat and I, for oldtime's sake, hiked on down the Trail for for a mile or so. To soak up its beauty...its history.

"Hey, Pat, slo' down, will ya'! We don't have to jog along the Appalacian. Just hike along!"

Coupla' Mamma Bears!!

Disclaimer: No! We're not 'Palin People'. You know, them thar' Tea Party folk!

A hike in the woods. So much beauty!With the uneasy feeling that...the winter (of life) may be just around the bend!

"Hey, Pat! I reckon it's about 10 miles or so to the other side of the Shennandoah Valley. Let's go!

Pat: "Yeah, sure! I'll see you when you get back!"

Friendly bears all over the place down in these here parts.

Bridge to the future....

Our three day mountain caper went by so fast.

Came home Monday evening to our cats, Rollo and Renee.

And to our miniture condo deck garden....awaiting the first frost for the Fall of '10.

Thankful for such a safe, beautiful trip. Glad to be back!

CORNBALL MUSIC! AHA!

POCONO, UHHH... PATHFINDERS?

Last week. Our week in the Pocono Mountains. Glorious!

Monday and Tues. were gray, rainy days, so Pat led me by the arm down to the Outlet Malls on I-80.

Crossings Premium Outlets: 100 outlet stores. From Tommy Hilfiger to the Gap to...whatever. Due to time constraints (and my nagging) Pat was able to hit only 93 stores.



Pat and I did a lotta trail hikin'.

Then, suddenly....

"Oh, Pat dear....I think we're lost!

Pat: "Lighten up, Chris! We're just romantically traipsin' thru the forest! Lighten up!"

That night....

"Oh, Chris, you may be right...we just may be lost after all! How do we get outta here! I'm scared!"

Chris: "Lighten up, Pat! Night time in the woods is very...romantic! 'Cept for all these beady little eyes a-glarin' at us!"


Here's where we lived for a wonderful week in the woods. Not very primitive, huh!

The end unit was ours.

Fernwood at Bushkill, PA. 660 units scattered hither and yon in a deep, mysterious forest over 440 acres.

Classy accomodations.



Our very own steam sauna right off the kitchen. Eat a big, gorgeous meal...then sweat it off in the sauna!
Hey, the good life!

Tub for two. No comment!

Damien and Shannon and their little one "Rome" stopped by for a visit one evening after a day traversing the Poconos.

Damien Dimino is Joe and Pat's son. My Godson. His father, Joe, and I were monastery/seminary classmates. Ordained in '59.

Living our married lives with Vatican permission.

Life really does move on!

Of course, Pat couldn't resist gathering little guy Rome on her lap. Nice pic, huh?

For over 40 years our favorite Pennsylvania park way out on I-80.

Interstate I-80 toward Scranton. Great swimming and hiking!!

My favorite time of the year.

Breathtaking beauty everywhere!

Pat and I will try to capture all this Autumn beauty in our memories for a long time to come.

Thank you, dear Kelly and Kimberly, for a glorious week. A week mom and I will never forget!